Born to Be Wild

by Donna Kauffman

  She gave herself a mental shake, and forced herself to remember the first time she’d let him goad her into acting rashly. She’d been six when Zach had dared her to climb to the top of the monkey bars. He’d waited until she was balanced on the top rung to comment on what a pretty dress she had on, and that he couldn’t recall her ever wearing a dress before.

  Of course, it was Dara who got sent to the principal’s office for decking Zach in the eye. She could still recall the devilish gleam winking out of the other one as she was escorted from the playground. She was looking at the adult replica of that gleam right now.

  “No,” she said firmly, “I haven’t been keeping tabs on you. But Dane forces me to listen to a blow by blow description of the insanity you drag him on every summer.”

  “You weren’t exactly the tame sort, if I recall,” he said. “Weren’t you the one who used to dare me to climb old Mrs. Prubody’s tree and toss rocks at her window? And what about the time you conned Dane, Jarrett, and me into papering the houses of the two head cheerleaders after you were cut from the junior squad?” The gleam in his eyes briefly erupted into a devilish twinkle as he added, “And what was the reason again?” He snapped his fingers. “Oh yeah, something about a catfight you had with a cheerleader from our rival high school, wasn’t it?”

  She worked hard not to squirm as memories she’d purposely ignored flooded back into her brain. “First of all, she deserved more than getting her hair pulled,” Dara retorted, unable to curb her tongue. “And you weren’t much of a champion. You took her to the homecoming dance if I recall.” She clamped her mouth shut when his grin widened. Then after a deep, calming breath, she said, “But that was a long time ago. We were kids. I’ve grown up.”

  The twinkle disappeared. “So,” he said too quietly, “based on the assumption that I’m an immature, irresponsible lunatic, you want me to back out of this?”

  She shivered. And any hope she had that he’d assume it was simply a result of the cold coffee soaking her blouse was removed by the deepening curve of his mouth. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, though. The combination was downright disconcerting.

  “It isn’t just an assumption,” she stated, determined to regain the control she’d somehow lost the moment he’d sat down. “I did some preliminary investigating, and I don’t think your company is suitable for the job.” She held up her hand to forestall his imminent rebuttal. “Zach, come on. Most kids think they’re going to live forever.”

  “We sure as hell did.”

  “That’s just my point. These kids have known almost right from the start just how precious life is, and they struggle every day just to maintain their grasp on it. You, on the other hand, still think you are immortal. You’re like …” She lifted her hand, then flattened it palm down on her desk. “You’re like Peter Pan with an American Gladiator complex.” She leaned forward. “Do you seriously think you’re the man to chaperon four children with very special needs on a mountain excursion?”

  “To hear you tell it, I can’t take anything seriously. So why ask?” He stood with surprising speed and braced his hands on her desk. “You never had any intention of letting me run this trip. This whole thing is really just a formality, isn’t it, Ms. Colbourne?”

  His teasing smile was long gone, his unshaven jaw rock-hard, lending an air of ruggedness that only enhanced his sex appeal. She hated herself for noticing.

  “You’re just following procedure, right?” he went on. “I came halfway around the globe because you needed my signature on a formal refusal form, which will allow you to line up some other board-approved outfitter the second you locate McCullough. I wouldn’t be surprised if the new guy’s appointment is right after mine.”

  His intensity was palpable, almost frightening. Having all that energy and vitality harnessed and focused solely on her was quite overwhelming, and it took her a few seconds to find an appropriate response.

  “There is no other outfitter,” she said when she finally found her voice. Not yet, anyway. “I wouldn’t do that.” His snort brought more than a frown to her lips, but she swallowed it at the last possible second. She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. “But the truth is, I don’t think you should run this trip, and, yes, I would appreciate it if you would formally decline.”

  He leaned farther over her desk, his voice dark and ominously low. “If you really believe that I’d actually put those kids in danger, then maybe it is better to wait for Jarrett to come back and okay a switch.” His demeanor was hard and tough and completely foreign to her perception of him.

  He straightened. “Can I ask you something?” His tone was deceptively gentle.

  “What?” she asked warily.

  “Jarrett and Dane stay in fairly close contact, so I imagine you’ve seen Jarrett occasionally over the years or keep up with what he’s doing through Dane, right?”

  Her brows furrowed in confusion. “Right.”

  “You know Dane would trust Jarrett with his life?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “So would I. And the feeling is mutual.”

  “I don’t see what—”

  “Do you trust Jarrett, Dara?”

  His tone was insistent, provoking. “Of course,” she answered automatically, “next to Dane, he’s the most dependable person I know.” The inference that Zach wasn’t was clear, and she knew he hadn’t missed it.

  “Do you really think he’d name me to this position if he thought I couldn’t handle it?”

  Dara released a deep breath. “I’ve thought about that, Zach. But I don’t think Jarrett has a full understanding of the sort of obstacles these kids face. I know he trusts you, and he probably knew you’d help him out on this, but—”

  “No buts, Dara. I’m willing to do this, I want to do this. Not just for Jarrett, but because it’s a damn good cause and I’m a damn good outfitter. Whatever you think about me personally doesn’t matter. What matters is getting these kids the trip they wished for, right?”

  Sensing he was leading her into a trap, but unable to see it, she nodded slowly. “Right. But you need my approval to get the board’s approval, and you don’t have it.”

  The sober expression on his face broke slowly into a wicked smile. “Yet.”

  One word, so softly spoken, and the air between them vibrated. With challenge, she told herself. As it always had been between them; Zach challenging her, prodding her until she lost her temper only to find out he’d intentionally staged it to happen at the very worst time—for her.

  She pulled up another memory—recalling the time he’d humiliated her in front of Mr. Jackson’s biology class by daring her to kiss a frog—which she’d had to take him up on—then showing the rest of the class that the poor thing was dead. The frog had croaked, he’d announced loudly, rather than become a prince for skinny little Dart. Of course, Mr. Jackson had walked in at the exact moment she’d dumped a beakerful of formaldehyde down Zach’s shirt.

  But this time dredging up old memories didn’t work, the tension between them was not as easily relegated to the past.

  “What exactly are you proposing?” she asked.

  He leaned a jean-clad hip on her desk, and picked up her crystal globe paperweight, bouncing it from palm to palm as if it were blown glass. “What I propose is that I plan a trip for the kids. Then, to ensure it’s safe and completely meets the foundation’s standards, I will take you out for a trial run so you can personally endorse the setup. My company will absorb the cost of the trial run.”

  He placed the paperweight gently back on the desk and, bracing his weight on one arm, leaned closer to her. Dara swore she could hear the trapdoor clang shut behind her.

  “And, if you don’t fully approve,” he went on, the gentle tone at complete odds with the victorious gleam in his eyes, “I will fund another trip with the outfitter of your choice. And when Jarrett returns, I’ll have him okay his donation for another wish on your list. Fair deal?”

  It was beyond fair. It
was the perfect solution. No matter how it turned out, the foundation—and more importantly, the kids—prospered. It was a win-win situation. There was absolutely no reason for her to say no.

  She nodded slowly. “Deal.”

  So why did she feel like she’d just kissed a dead frog?

  Zach’s big, rough hand swallowed hers, but instead of shaking it, he just held it. As Dara stared up at him, ignoring as best she could the warm sensation that was tingling its way up her arm and around the back of her neck, his cocky, triumphant smile faded to something more … personal.

  In the short time he’d been in her office, he’d revealed more sides than she’d ever expected him to have. And there wasn’t one of them that wasn’t dangerous to her peace of mind. A peace she’d struggled to achieve.

  “I never thought I’d say this,” he said quietly, “but it’s really good to see you again, Dart.”

  “Funny, I didn’t get that impression about two minutes ago.” She’d tried for flippant humor, but winced inwardly when the words came out sounding far too sincere.

  “You’re just doing your job.” The smile turned teasing. “I think I’d have been disappointed if I’d discovered you’d gone completely soft and wishy-washy on me.”

  Dara felt heat stain her cheeks as he echoed her earlier wish. “Yeah, well, someone’s got to keep guys like you in line.”

  Zach chuckled. “Remind me never to introduce you to Beaudine.”

  He was making it temptingly easy to relax and enjoy his company. Which was probably exactly what he was hoping for. As casually as possible, she withdrew her hand from his.

  “The kids are lucky to have you on their side, Dara.”

  Clearing the sudden tightness constricting her throat, she slid her chair back and stood. “Thank you.” She’d intended to politely return his earlier platitude about it being nice to see him again, but somehow she suspected that right now, the admission would come out sounding entirely too heartfelt. “Um, the case histories for each of the children are down in the file room. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get copies for you.”

  Zach watched Dara scoot from behind her desk and grab a navy blue Dream Foundation blazer from the brass coatrack in the corner. He caught her eye as she slid her arm in one sleeve. His wink just came naturally. As did her responding blush.

  Damn if she wasn’t still fun to tease. His smile broadened as she shifted her back to him and tugged on the other sleeve. Why had he provoked her so often way back then? He’d never really thought about it. As an adolescent boy, it had just seemed natural. Five minutes around her and the next thing he knew she was socking his lights out. Usually with good reason, he admitted with a silent laugh. And yet, as the years passed, he’d never once thought to stop.

  Maybe it was because she’d been such a good adversary. Maybe it was because he couldn’t charm her like he had everyone else.

  He watched her surreptitiously tug the lapels closer in an unsuccessful attempt to hide the coffee stain he’d had a hell of a time keeping his eyes off.

  And maybe it was because as a boy, he hadn’t known what else to do with a girl that intrigued him like she had. His wide grin was unabashed. Well, he’d learned a lot since then.

  He knew exactly what to do with her now.

  TWO

  The attraction between them—and Zach recognized the signs well enough to know the sizzle in the air was not one-sided—was a surprise. He didn’t know what he’d expected to feel on seeing her again, but he knew this wasn’t it.

  He wondered why Dane had never mentioned that the girl Zach remembered as being more dragon than potential musketeer, still had all that fire. She’d managed to harness it well. But he hadn’t a clue why she kept it so carefully concealed behind steady hazel eyes and that firm, business-only mouth.

  Zach wasn’t fooled. As a child, those chameleon eyes had blazed green when she was angry. And all her cool poise aside, he imagined they still did. Which naturally led him to wonder what else besides anger provoked that intriguing change.

  And as for her mouth …

  Well, his thoughts on what sort of business he’d like to conduct on those lips is what had kept his gaze fastened firmly on that blouse. Which hadn’t proved any less provocative.

  Dara shifted so as not to brush against him as she walked to the door. Zach was so surprised at the sudden restraint he’d had to use to keep from reaching for her, he didn’t move at all. The impulse had been instinctive, as if he touched her so often, the action was natural to him. As if he had the right.

  “Zach?”

  Her voice broke his train of thought, and he turned to her, the smile on his face not nearly as easy or natural as the one before. He had the odd feeling he’d been transported back to the playground, only one of an adult variety. He closed the distance between them. Of course, now there was no monitor to send him to the principal’s office if he misbehaved.

  Dara purposely moved back to let him pass through the open door first.

  Then again, he thought as he watched her mouth settle into that flat no-nonsense line, she probably still packed a mean left hook.

  He stepped past her, fully intending to continue into the hallway and put some much needed space between them. But just as he felt her move in behind him, he found himself turning back to her, trapping her in the intimate space between the door frame—and his frame.

  “Dara?” he asked quietly, having no idea what he was going to say.

  Dara was too surprised by Zach’s sudden move to react, but the familiar way he said her name garnered more of a reaction than she knew what to do with.

  Defensive and turned on all at the same time. And she didn’t thank him for either feeling. Squaring her shoulders, she looked up at him. “Yes?”

  He paused for the longest moment, staring at her in a way that made her discomfort grow. She resisted the urge to squirm.

  “You’ve really changed, you know? And I guess I couldn’t help but wonder …”

  Wary now, she frowned. “Wonder what?”

  Bracing an arm on the frame over her head, he leaned closer. “You never struck me as the wand-carrying sort. So how did you get into this line of work? Granting other people’s wishes, I mean?”

  She was honestly surprised by the question, especially since she’d been expecting something more … what? More personal, more intimate maybe? Yeah, right. So he’s all grown up and gorgeous as sin with a voice that could seduce the habit off a nun. So what if she was finally old enough to appreciate it? She’d sworn off that potent combination years ago.

  Stability. Maturity. Those were the qualities she was attracted to now. The same ones she’d so carefully cultivated in herself.

  She glanced into his eyes. The question had been asked in all sincerity, but the teasing twinkle she found there reminded her that letting her guard down with him had always been dangerous. And despite the hard-won cool control that had elevated her quickly through the executive ranks at the foundation, she knew that with Zach, she was still—and probably always would be—playing out of her league.

  “It’s a long story, Zach,” she said, trying to edge her way past him.

  His slight shift blocked her escape. “I didn’t ask out of idle curiosity. I really want to know. What happened to that little girl who was willing to slay dragons with her bare hands in order to be D’Artagnan?”

  Oh, he was dangerous all right. After a fifteen-year absence from her life and a shared past that wasn’t exactly harmonious, he’d taken less than thirty minutes to mount a more effective assault on her well-built defenses than any man she’d met since Daniel had died over eight years ago.

  Dara knew just how easy he’d make it for her to break down and share with him the parts of her past that had so largely shaped who she’d become. Just as she knew where that would lead. And she’d be right back in the place she’d busted her backside and most of her soul to get away from.

  “We really should get those files so you can look them
over before the board meeting,” she said quickly, catching that determined look in his eyes and wanting to end this before he could speak again.

  But he didn’t step back, or let her pass. Instead he leaned closer, close enough that she could feel the heat of his body, close enough so that her gaze could naturally follow the strong column of his neck until it gave way to the stubble that shaded his jaw. Close enough that she couldn’t help but notice how his lower lip was just slightly fuller than his upper one. Close enough so that if he parted them slightly and she shifted forward even the tiniest bit, she could—

  Whatever she might have thought or, heaven forbid, done next, was instantly erased by the sound of someone clearing his throat.

  Dara closed her eyes and willed herself to melt for real—right through the floor. Zach had done it again. Straightening, she called on every bit of self-control and poise she could muster and ducked beneath his arm.

  Sure enough, Old Man Cavendish was standing not two feet behind Zach, a very disapproving frown on his face. Not that she’d ever seen him look any differently, but this time she was the reason for it.

  “Mr. Cavendish,” she said brightly, hoping her smile didn’t look as fake as it felt. “Is there something I can do for you?”

  The thin, elderly man looked down at her with narrowed black eyes set deeply beneath bushy gray eyebrows. She happened to catch Zach’s eye at that exact moment. He flashed a quick wink and a knowing smile that made her suddenly want to laugh. Hard. Horrified at the sound threatening to bubble from her throat, she quickly covered it with a cough, making absolutely certain not to look at Zach again.

  Ten minutes with Zach Brogan and it was like the principal’s office all over again.

  “What you can do, young lady,” Mr. Cavendish said in his perfectly enunciated dictatorial tone, “is keep your personal business on personal time. We’re understaffed and overworked as it is. I’m sure you have something on your desk requiring your attention.” He let his censorious gaze roam up and down Zach’s large frame, obviously not in the least impressed. Then, with the dignified bearing more suitable to a man who ruled nations than one who ran a charitable foundation, he turned and walked away.